Dangerous and potentially dangerous dogs in Fargo

The Fargo municipal code, chapter 12 (dogs and cats) lets a dog be designated potentially dangerous if it bites unprovoked, chases or approaches a person in an apparent attitude of attack, or has a known propensity to attack. A dog may be designated dangerous if it inflicted substantial bodily injury, killed a domestic animal off the owner's property, or acted aggressively after being found potentially dangerous.

The same code lists conditions such as no sale of the dog, obedience training, warning signs and limits on outdoor times, and requires a potentially dangerous dog to be leashed and under a competent adult off the owner's property. The City of Fargo pets and stray animals page says such dogs are not allowed in Fargo unless the owner registers and microchips them. The Fargo City Commission minutes on the dog ordinance records a proposal for a $300,000 liability policy for dangerous dogs, so confirm the current requirement with the city.

1. Fence the yard before the dog arrives.
2. Post a visible warning sign.
3. Train every adult in the household on commands.
4. Keep the license and rabies tags current.
5. Tell your insurer which dog is coming.

A provider should explain how the dog behaves around visitors and delivery drivers. A claim that it never needs correcting is a warning sign.